The Public Service Commission has recently scheduled several meetings before the Commission that are known as “allowable ex parte briefings.” Read on to learn more about this specific kind of meeting and how you can participate:

Allowable ex parte briefings

An allowable ex parte briefing is a way for the Commissioners and staff of the PSC to receive information from a variety of people, including industry stakeholders, utility providers, members of the public, and experts on matters involving regulated utilities. “Ex parte” means “between the parties in a case and the Commission,” and this kind of communication is usually forbidden to maintain the PSC’s impartiality and unbiased view of matters before the agency. Sometimes, matters are presented in a less formal setting than a full hearing and that is allowed under South Carolina law and accountable to the public and to all parties—this is when an allowable ex parte briefing is scheduled. These briefings, or “AEPs,” are broadcast to those who preregister to watch live.  

Any allowable ex parte briefings that are scheduled by the Commission are noticed on the Commission’s website and the Commission’s calendar. Recent AEPs scheduled by the Commission include:

Past allowable ex parte briefings are recorded and are available on the Commission’s livestream page at this link. You can also find links to past allowable ex parte briefings, including a complete, searchable transcript, at this link.

If you have questions about these briefings or would like more information, reach out to the Public Service Commission at contact@psc.sc.gov or call 803.896.5100.